Dog owners are being urged to keep their canine companions away from lakes which contain deadly blue-green algae at two Yorkshire nature reserves.

The toxic algae has been spotted in lakes at St Aidan's Nature Reserve near Allerton Bywater and there are fears that it could also spread to Fairburn Ings Nature Reserve nearby 'if the conditions are right'.

A warning has been put out to remind people to stay away from the harmful bacteria and to be 'extra cautious' about stopping their pets from entering the many lakes dotted around the site, including Bowers Lake, which is near the most popular walking route.

'We are monitoring the situation and conducting tests'

A spokesperson for the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) told LeedsLive: "At the moment we have only found blue-green algae at St Aidan's Nature Reserve, but all the waterways are linked. If the conditions are right, it could spread.

"At the moment we are monitoring the situation and conducting tests.

"However, if you keep your dogs out of the water they should be fine. It is only a risk if they swim in the water or drink the water.

"There's absolutely no reason they should be affected if you keep them out of the water."

Blue-green algae has been known to kill dogs within 15 minutes in the most serious cases (Image: Surrey Advertiser)

What is blue-green algae?

Strangely enough, blue-green algae isn't actually algae at all.

In fact, it's a group of bacteria called cyanobacteria that looks like algae when clumped together in water - hence the name.

It often looks like green flakes, greenish bundles or brown dots and often appears as blue-green scum on the surface of the water.

Foamy patches are also often seen at the edges of lakes and ponds, particularly during spells of warm weather.

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How dangerous is it to humans?

Blue-green algae can cause skin rashes, sickness, stomach pains, fever and headaches in humans who drink or come into contact with contimated water.

In very rare cases, it has also been known to cause liver and brain damage.

Children are at greater risk than adults, although you should be fine as long as you stay away from any affected areas.

The blue-green algae has been spotted in Bowers Lake at St Aidan's Nature Reserve

Could it kill my dog?

Not all types of blue-green algae are dangerous, but some forms can be fatal to dogs and other animals. In the most serious cases, it has been known to kill dogs within 15 minutes.

Some types of blue-green algae can also cause long-term health problems in dogs, such as fatal liver failure.

Blue-green algae is potentially fatal if dogs come into contact with contaminated water (Image: Bath Chronicle)

Dogs who have been swimming in water can sometimes get the algae caught in their fur and later eat it while cleaning themselves.

Contact your vet immediately if your dog shows any of the following signs after drinking from or swimming in water:

Vomiting / being sick

Diarrhoea

Seizures / fitting

Weakness / collapse / unconsciousness

Disorientation / confusion

Drooling

Breathing difficulties

If you think you may have stumbled across blue-green algae where there are no warning signs, report it to the Environment Agency by visiting this website or calling 0800 80 70 60.

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